This eastern Dutch city, capital of Gelderland, has a population of 151,827. It's home to educational institutions and the Royal Netherlands Army headquarters.
Arnhem, the capital of Gelderland province in eastern Netherlands, sits on the banks of the Rhine River. This city of around 150,000 people is known for its role in World War II's Operation Market Garden and its connection to fashion and design. In Arnhem, you can explore the Netherlands Open Air Museum, cycle through Sonsbeek Park, or shop for locally-designed clothing in the Fashion Quarter.
Getting to Arnhem
You can reach Arnhem by flying into Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, then taking a direct train to Arnhem Central Station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you're driving, Arnhem is well-connected by highways A12 and A50. Trains from other major Dutch cities like Utrecht and Nijmegen also run frequently to Arnhem.
What to See in Arnhem
The Netherlands Open Air Museum takes you on a journey through Dutch life across the centuries. You'll walk through authentic buildings, watch craftspeople at work, and can even taste historical Dutch dishes.
Burgers' Zoo is popular among visitors. The zoo is divided into eco-displays representing different parts of the world, including a tropical rainforest and a desert.
In the city center, climb the tower of the Gothic Eusebius Church for panoramic views of Arnhem and the surrounding area.
Green Spaces
Sonsbeek Park, just a short walk from the city center, has forests, ponds, and waterfalls. The park's white villa now houses a contemporary art museum.
Hoge Veluwe National Park is a vast area with forests, heathlands, and sand dunes. You can explore the park using free white bicycles available at the entrances.
Shopping and Fashion
Arnhem has a strong connection to fashion, partly due to its fashion school, ArtEZ. The Fashion Quarter, in the Klarendal neighborhood, is full of boutiques, ateliers, and cafes. You'll find locally-designed clothing and accessories here.
For more mainstream shopping, go to the city center. The pedestrianized shopping area includes streets like Roggestraat, Ketelstraat, and Vijzelstraat, with a mix of Dutch and international brands.
Local Food to Try
While in Arnhem, taste some Dutch dishes. Try stamppot (mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables) or poffertjes (small, fluffy pancakes). For a quick snack, get a kroket (a deep-fried roll with a meat ragout filling) from one of the automatic vending machines called FEBO.
Getting Around
Arnhem is the only Dutch city with a trolleybus network, which is an efficient way to get around. The city also has numerous cycling paths. You can rent a bike at the central station or various locations around the city.
Day Trips
Consider visiting Veluwezoom National Park, just outside Arnhem. This park has hiking and cycling trails through forests and heathlands. In autumn, the changing colors of the leaves create a colorful landscape.
Exploring Arnhem's World War II History
Arnhem was a key location during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. The Airborne Museum 'Hartenstein', located in nearby Oosterbeek, tells the story of this battle. The museum occupies the former hotel that served as the British headquarters during the operation. You'll see original artifacts and walk through exhibitions that recreate the events of those days.
